Thanks for that Dick.
Coincidentally, I have just been speaking to Stephen Chambers who runs the local music shop here in Miltown Malbay and who is giving a talk on the subject to our local history society on the 14th of this month. The talk is entitled ''The Concertina - Designed by Foreigners for the use of Peasants……'' (a quote from Sean O'Riarda.)
In West Clare, the concertina has always been very popular, especially favoured by women players.
One old player, originally from a few miles from here, once counted out 37 women players he recalled from his youth, living within walking distance of his home.
The instrument remains extremely popular, again among women, one of the finest players being Edel Fox, who not only has made a name for herself internationally, but is passing on her skills to many of the local youngsters.   
Jim Carroll